By IANS,
Mumbai : A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was subdued about two hours after start of trade Thursday as investors chose to book profits across the market breadth.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) which opened at 18,741.1 points, was ruling at 18,740.26 points, up 46.4 points or 0.25 percent from its previous close at 18,693.86 points.
It had risen to 18,823.06 points in early trade. The Sensex has rallied in the past five straight sessions till Wednesday.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the green at 5,611.5 points, up 0.2 percent.
Broader markets too fell from early highs with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.11 percent higher and the BSE smallcap index up 0.25 percent.
The market breadth was positive, with 1,329 stocks advancing, 1,139 on the decline and 125 remaining unchanged.
Among gainers on the Sensex were Jaiprakash Associates, Hindustan Unilever, Hero Honda and M&M, while the losers on the benchmark were Bharti Airtel, Cipla, Tata Motors and ONGC.
Asian markets were ruling in the green after Greek lawmakers passed a vote to bring in severe austerity measure including selling some public assets to become eligible for a loan from the International Monetary Fund.
The Nikkei of the Japanese stock exchange was ruling flat at 9,811.64 points, while the Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange was trading 1.59 percent up at 22,412.79 points.
The Chinese Shanghai composite index was ruling 1.1 percent higher at 2,758.47 points.